No Strings Attached

Chapter 3: James Ryder

"Hey," she snorted. "Aren't you going to pay for that apple?"

I let out a moan. "Come on, Ma. Don't you have a favorite customer discount?"

Ma cackled. "Oh, hon. You are just full of surprises, aren't you?"

"Please?" I begged. "Just this once."

Her lips transformed into a thin white line.

"Pay up, sweetie." she insisted.

Moaning again, I rifled my hand into my backpack, pull out a five-dollar bill, then hand it to Ma.

"It's been a pleasure talking with you." she grinned, taking the money and handing me my apple. "Now, get to school."

"Yes, Ma, " I grunted, taking a bite from the fruit.

After saying goodbye to her, I scamper to find a thick, black gate guarding the prestigious Manhattan Arts Academy.

The school reminded me of a museum: its concrete walls are in a grayish-white color, its structure is as smooth as glass, and the school's transparent windows were plastered in every canvas of the walls.

There two, huge obsidian doors stood out from its white castle; whereas the rough graphite makes up the abundant parking lot.

However, I could see some cars settling in between white horizontal lines. Standing in front of the entrance are talented, privileged kids ranging from age, gender, and race. Young theater nerds, artists, musicians, writers, singers, and dancers all sat on the school's front lawn, soaking up the sun's blissful rays-texting on their phones or chatting with friends.

All the girls wore iron pressed navy blue blazers, white, buttoned-up shirts, matching blue pleated skirts, knee-high black socks, and black Mary Janes.

In contrast to the girls, the boys' attire is identical with the exception of solid black ties, indigo vests, long, khaki brown pants, and charcoal-colored church shoes.

Despite the drab uniforms, I see a couple of kids rebelling against the dress code. For instance, let me introduce you to Aria zhang.

Sitting near the doors, Aria Zhang has short black hair with golden brown highlights, tanned skin, and brown cat-like eyes.

To bring life to her boring uniform, Aria wears two beer bottle caps as earrings, painted her nails in glittery pink, and had on black designer leather boots.

Covering her ears are light purple, noise-killing headphones, whose cord is connected to her pastel pink Apple laptop.

Coming from a generation of talented musicians, Aria knows the cello, piano, guitar, and the turntables. She provides music for school plays, dances, and other occasions.

Not only does she plays music, but gets involved in the fashion department and dance studio.

How Aria maintains perfect As is beyond me-and that's coming from a science nerd.

After I finished my apple, I dispose its remains into a trashcan near a convenience store.

Then approaching the school with a relaxed smile on my face, I stroll past the parked vehicles and head towards the doors when Aria noticed me.

Her serious face became delighted as she removes her headphones, rushed over to me, then gave me a big hug.

"Hey, girl!" she exclaimed.

"Hi!" I squealed.

We both hugged each other tightly until Marco showed up.

" 'Sup ladies?" he greeted.